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75 years since first Policewomen entered force

Author
Josh Price ,
Publish Date
Fri, 3 Jun 2016, 6:56AM
75 years ago the first Policewomen entered the force (Newspix)
75 years ago the first Policewomen entered the force (Newspix)

75 years since first Policewomen entered force

Author
Josh Price ,
Publish Date
Fri, 3 Jun 2016, 6:56AM

Today marks 75 years since the first women entered our Police force.

Ten women began training in in 1941.

One of our most senior female police officers, Superintendent Sandra Manderson, said a lot has changed for women over the 35 years she's been in the force.

She said when she started on the job women were constantly asked to make the tea and look after the children.

But Sandra Manderson said women back in the 1940's had it even tougher.

"I know that if they got married they had to leave the Police, and then later on they were allowed to stay but if they got pregnant they needed to leave as well, so that's changed considerably."

She is the first woman to reach the rank of Superintendent, wants girls to look at policing as a real career option.

"It's a job that gives us such variety, and I've done so many different types of jobs with one organisation - that's the beauty of New Zealand Police."

There'll be a celebration in Auckland today to honour past and present policewomen.

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